Saturday, July 30, 2005

New York Town

With camera in hand, I set forth to conquer New York City on Friday. I didn't get as many photographs as I was hoping, but I did meet some really cool people and had a really fun time. The day turned into a pub crawl (eventhough there wasn't really any crawling), and we never got any further north in the city than 11th Street which is close to the northern edge separating Greenwich Village from Chelsea.

The first stop was the White Horse Tavern one of Dylan Thomas's favorite hang outs. Unfortunately, it was one of his last hang outs, because it was at the White Horse, Thomas drank his last 20 shots of whiskey before passing out and ultimately dying on the door step. O.K., at least we weren't that bad.

I couldn't resist, in a totally self-indulgent moment, I took a picture, this guy...he was gorgeous and was having drinks outside the White Horse.With quite a long walk, we made our way to Canal Street. Canal Street is lined with tons of shopping; purses, jewelry, scarves, sunglasses all at bargain basement prices. Following Canal Street, we were lead into a small part of Chinatown, then on to Little Italy to the Mulberry Street Bar. This bar was very similar to the White Horse. It has been there for years and has one of those great old mirrors that line the back of the bar surrounded by wood that was probably hand carved. This place was probably 800 square feet in all. There were pictures on the back of the bar with famous faces that had visited there. Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Ronald Reagan and of course old blue eyes Frank Sinatra. All the parking meters in Little Italy were painted Red, White and Green. There were rows of lights and garland strung over the streets like a party was about to happen.

We then made our way to Soho (South of Houston Street), where I found a L'Occitane store. These shops are new to the U.S., as you may be able to tell by the name it's French...which is the only thing I ever talk about...(story at 11:00.) They have home fragrances, skin care for both men an women, all natural...smells great! There was also outdoor shopping here similar to Canal Street but on a much better scale. There were also great boutiques, THE SHOES! I was in heaven. Here's an interesting shot I took along the way:

Finding our way back to The Village, we stopped in at The Back Fence a place we've visited before. It's another 800 square foot place frequented by locals. Go to the bar, get your drink and a bowl of peanuts....feel free to throw the shells on the floor. They have entertainment in the evening and even have poetry readings on Sundays.








It was the poetry reading that initiated the conversation with the three people that came into the bar after us. These people obviously knew Charlie (the bartender) very well and sat at their usual seat to have dinner. The bar doesn't serve food, they brought their own. The first lady Susan shared some of her poetry with me. Click on the link at her name to see some of her work. I was quite pleased when I did a Google search on her name. She's quite accomplished. The second lady was Brigid and as you will read at with this link is quite an institution, and was friends with Alan Ginsberg. I will be in contact with these ladies in the near future to hopefully get them to The Susquehanna Art Museum so they may bring a little bit of NYC to Harrisburg for one of the Thursday evening poetry readings.

We also spoke briefly with Neil who was from the neighborhood (at least during the week.) He gave us a great tip about riding bikes in NYC. He recommended taking the Staten Island Ferry into NYC which is free to ride, but may cost some change to take the bikes. You can actually ride from Battery Park (where the Statue of Liberty is and where the Ferry drops you off) all the way to the George Washington Bridge which is approximately 9.6 miles, all on a bike lane, no worries about cross traffic.

The final stop was back at the White Horse, which by now was packed with people who just finished work. It's just not as fun when packed with people. After drinks we made our way to a local pizza joint and the for home. Getting home is about three hours if the traffic is good and the tunnel delays are minimal. It's all fun and games till we get to about Allentown and that's when fatigue sets in and home is the only place to be.

Thursday, July 28, 2005

This Ain't No Mudd Club or CBGB

Couldn't resist the opportunity to post this information (thanks Findley). It seems that the ever-famous club CBGB's on the Bowery in NYC could be closing it's doors. There is a company that owns the buildings that house the club and they don't want to renew the clubs lease for various reasons.

What a tragedy it would be for CBGB's to have to close their doors after being "the home of underground rock" for over 30 years! If it wasn't for CBGB's The Ramones, Blondie, The Talking Heads, Television, Patti Smith or The Velvet Underground would have never made it. Check out the web site, sign the petition.

Funeral Crashing

If this should ever become an Olympic sport, I think that the Lt. Governor of PA should certainly win the gold!

Recently, Catherine Baker-Knoll thought it was a good idea to attend (uninvited) the funeral of a marine killed in Iraq on July 10. He was from PA and she swears, (cross her heart and hope to die) that it was not intended as a political stunt. Reeeaaalllyyy....

It seems that Kate shows up, leaves her BUSINESS CARD and without even spending time with the grieving wife or parents, turned to the news cameras and began a press conference where she expressed that "our goverment is opposed to this war." Reeeeaalllly....

Hmmm, who was/is it then that's sending soldiers to the desert? Must be someone else's government.

Oh and by the way, other than hearing a bit about this on the radio on the way to work, guess where I actually found an article...CNN! Certainly wouldn't be on our local news.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

And Now the News

On a rather daily basis I find myself parked in front of the TV 'round 5ish waiting for the latest news from central PA. And on a daily basis I find myself disgusted with what our local news programs report as "news." I find I am just as disgusted when I pick up our local newspaper.

For example, as posted on our local ABC affiliate today, you can actually watch the video report on "Why Toddlers Can't Get a Driver's License", or "State Museum to Charge Admission." It seems that local news programs cannot find anything better to report on other than street fairs, and how damn hot and humid it has been and how long it will continue. Uh, thanks for that newsflash, I coulda just walked outside and figured it out myself.

Is there really nothing happening in Central PA that is truly newsworthy? Or is it just the simple fact that the local news programs are on the air for about an hour too long?

Finally, get a load of these characters on the station out of Lancaster: dork, dorkier and dorkiest! And the women aren't any better! I thought (decent) looks were a prerequisite, kinda like for airline staff. These people have got to be the rejects from other TV stations. Either that or they're local to Lancaster and are Amish or Mennonite...you know (inbreeding.)

Sunday, July 24, 2005

What's Not To Love?

I was rinsing off chicken at the kitchen sink this afternoon, and no I don't eat chicken, it's for the cats. And yes, they're spoiled so what? While I had my hands in the water I thought how nice it is that even the cold water isn't really that cold in the summer and I love that! So, I thought about all the other things I love about summer.

Hanging the laundry out to dry
The morning comes early and the evening comes late
Bars/restaurants with outdoor seating
Having the ceiling fans on and the windows open
Going to the beach
Riding bikes
Swimming
Planting flowers
Porch drinking
Driving with the music blaring and all the windows open
Hot air
Plenty o'sunshine
Surprise thunderstorms (which ironically begin the moment it is time for me to leave work for the day, and always on the days when I don't have my umbrella and I have my car windows open a crack just to ensure I have a wet behind for the drive home)
Fireworks
The sounds of birds first thing in the morning
Baseball
Friends who come to porch drink
Flip flops
Fireflys
Bees on my flowers
Amusement Parks
Outdoor concerts
Not having to run to your car because it's freezing out
Not having to let your car warm up because it's freezing out
Freshly mown grass
Being barefoot
The sounds of locusts
The smell of a grill
Taking cool showers
Getting rid of the pasty white skin from winter (and the dry skin too)
The distant sound of the ice cream truck
Funky colored adirondack chairs
And when you're really hot...a nice, cold BEER!

(sigh)

Saturday, July 23, 2005

I Remember That I Forgot

Thanks to Findley, who reminded me that on one of my previous posts "Would You Like To Play A Game?" that I forgot a very important person. So, I'm dedicating this entire spot for the viewing pleasure of Julian McMahon. You may know him from Charmed or Nip/Tuck (which happens to be one of my all time favorite shows!!) By the way, Nip/Tuck has a new season starting in September! If you've never seen it, it's on F/X network and it's one of those shows that shocks you, makes you laugh and cry, sometimes all in one episode. The bonus is it has eye candy for everyone, even the guys and has great music. It's amazing what they get away with on cable TV anymore. But, I'm not complaining!

I swear after this one last addition to my list of all lists, I'm letting it go. I promise!

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

And Heaven and Nature Sing!

Thanks for all the prayers so that Professor Longson would show mercy on us with our recent Statistics test. I got a C! And, for those of you that put up with me on a daily basis know, I'm mathmatically challenged....seriously so. So, I'm more than pleased with a C considering there were three people that got F's. Only one more test to go and that's the final and I'm done with my math requirment.

Oh, and I'm still not done with this list game from the previous post. I thought of someone else last night. Geez! I'm obsessed.

Friday, July 15, 2005

Would you like to play a game?

Every now and again, my friends and I compile our lists. Lists of the people we would never, ever under any circumstances kick out of bed no matter how annoying their habits. I've played this game with people who seem to feel the need to suck the life out of that statment. It's simple, it's just a game, it will probably never happen. Have fun with it.

Most of the time, our lists include famous people so we can collectively do our ooohs and ahhhs. However, it's not a requirement. A few of my responses, as sick as it may seem, include the dearly departed. Hey, it's my game, I can do what I want! I've heard some pretty good responses while doing this. Two of the best ever given were Frank Gifford and Peggy Flemming. Go ahead, laugh. Try to keep the list to 10 or under. And, this isn't just a girl thing!

I have provided for you here my official list...as it stands at this moment anyway, not in any particular order.

1. (as always) Jim Morrison
2. Michael Hutchence
3. Ed Harris
4. James Taylor
5. Jimmy Buffet
6. Vince Vaughn
7. Criss Angel
8. Alec Baldwin
9. Bruce Willis
10.Joaquin Phoenix
11. Julian McMahon

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

You know what's really scary?

I'll tell you! After a long night at school, and the dreaded Statistics test #2 (let us all take a moment to pray for Professor Longson's benevolence on our pathetic statistics tests) I pull into my driveway and notice an eerie light shining out of my family room. When I left home, I kept the shades up in that room knowing that there would be plenty of daylight still to come so therefore had no need to leave a light on in that room (to scare away all the bad people.)

I recognize that the strange light is that of the TV with that infamous blue tint of the Weather Channel beaming into the night. And I think that certainly, there must be robbers in that room with the TV on, shoes off and feet up on the couch. So, I decided to walk to that window and delicately peek inside. Thinking of course, that said robbers would have heard my car by now and quickly shut the TV off and lie in wait for me.

Rationally, I think well, one of the cats must have jumped up on the ottoman, jumping onto the remote and turning on the TV. Very possible, but the irrational side of me quickly kicks in and reminds me that there are bad people waiting for me inside, most definitely!

Miss Adeline...see blog entry 1, must have heard my keys jingling outside because she was just as delicately peeking out of the front windows as I was peeking in. Very funny sight...cracked me up and, as you may have guessed, there were no robbers....unless they're waiting in the closet till I go to bed....hmmm.


P.S. Happy 39th birthday Rodee!

Findley Labrador, have fun in Flaaaarida! 2-weeks!

Thursday, July 07, 2005

From Jubilation to Horror in 24 Hours




Our hearts and prayers go out to Londoners. They've been our allies through much of history, our friendship is not often seen in today's world. Let us all pray for peace.

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Piloting a Plane While Drunk in PA is Legal

Does that statement contain even one iota of common sense?? This post is a continuation from the previous one that further proves in PA, we're quite conservative and not very smart...with the exception of Dorman and Findley Labrador and Dr. Parks and o.k., there are a few exceptions.

Yes, it is true, according to a
local news station it is currently still legal to pilot a plane in PA while drunk, but not for long. Our fearless leader Ed Rendell has now signed into law that it will be ILLEGAL to pilot a plane if your blood alcohol content is .02 or greater. Now, if your caught as the article explains, (and if the authorities are able to wrangle you to the ground without subjecting hundreds of people to a fiery crash), you may get a fine up to...hold on to your hats....$5000 AND, if that's not enough, three whole days in jail. That'll learn ya. Scary thing is, if you look into your state's law on this, it's probably still legal to fly drunk. PA is only one of three states to pass such a law.

So, it appears we still have a 90 day window in which to fly around the skies of PA in a drunken state, which is why I am providing for you here a recipe for FABULOUS margaritas! Now, if you're a purist as far as margarita's go, do not, I repeat do not read any further. You will be horrified.


This recipe comes from The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love. It's a chick book, and it's hilarious! Girls, very important information is contained in this book. A few chapters within the book are; The true magic words guaranteed to get any man to do your bidding; The best advice ever given in the entire history of the world; Boyfriends and Fiances: Getting over them and getting over them; Men who may need killing, quite frankly, and finally, What to eat when tragedy strikes or just for entertainment.

The "What to eat section" has some great recipes...two are margarita recipes. The name of the first margarita is "Fat Mama's Knock You Naked" margaritas. And, those of you that are feeling the need to tell "naked" stories, keep them to yourself (unless they are about someone other than me). These require special "Fat Mama" margarita mix....who has that lying around the house?!? Our time-tested favorite however, is New Allison's Mambo Margaritas. These should come with a Surgeon Generals warning on them...so consider yourself warned!

One big can of frozen limeade (12 oz.)
One bottle of Corona beer (we've used other beer, it's just as good)
12 oz. of 7-Up (NEVER Sprite!)
12 oz. of really good tequila (we've used not so good, it's just as good)

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PUT THIS IN THE BLENDER! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHAKE THIS EITHER! Although, this may seem obvious to some of you outside the state of Pennsylvania, it is not so obvious to others. Just give it a stir. Please let me know if you try these (and live to tell).




Saturday, July 02, 2005

Summertime Blues

Is it possible to feel blue in the summer? I guess if you're a huge snowbunny it is. Not me, I love the sun, the heat, the long days. Everything seems to be better in the summer. I even love the smell of a grill cooking, even though I probably wouldn't eat what is being cooked.

Today I rode about 6 miles along the Susquehanna River. The ride is pretty easy except for the constant headwind. There's a festival going on down at the river this weekend. It's the American Music Festival. Three stages of music, all different kinds all through the day and into the night. Between stages is a plethora of food; fried veggies, bar-b-que, Subway subs, pizza, popcorn, funnel cakes. And, if you don't know what a funnel cake is, let me know! Sad thing was, there was barely anyone there enjoying the music. Today was beautiful. It wasn't too hot, certainly not too humid and the sun was shining all day. PA summers can be brutal with the 90 degree temps and usually 90% humidity. But, not today.

As I'm writing this, I have the windows open and fans on to pull in the pleasant evening air and can hear the familiar sounds of firecrackers. Now, in PA, we're quite conservative. Until a couple of months ago, couldn't buy liquor on a Sunday. We're just now thinking about opening beer distributors on a Sunday. Needless to say, firecrakers are pretty tame as well. But, invariably, someone loses a finger or gets a second degree burn while messing about with firecrackers. I said we was conservative, didn't say we was smart!

The 4th of July always is a bit melancholy for me. Just a month ago it was Memorial Day. The entire summer lay before me. Now, it's half over. Maybe it's that half full/half empty thing. It is in the month of July that designers release their fall collection. How depressing is that?!?

Before I know it we'll be celebrating Labor Day and the fat lady will have sung. I can't bear the thought. On that note, I'm going to go enjoy the remains of the day.